GallBlabber

coming

2012-01-26T08:43:00.006-05:00

This came on the radio as I drove to work this morning. Seems appropriate for today...

anyone out there?

2012-01-03T20:38:00.007-05:00

Are you there blog? It's me...Carroll.

So I've been a little absent. Like, non-existent on here. Oops.

I went to New York, then it was Thanksgiving, then it was Christmas. Now I'm working on something special for my sweet baby nephew...who should be here in the next few weeks.

Here are some of my pictures of NYC. I went with some of my favorite traveling buddies. Please be a pal and ignore the lingering steroid face:

We walked on the Brooklyn Bridge, visited Ellis Island, and walked through Central Park.

I spent a few hours in Times Square, like a good tourist (I really could have stayed there all day)...

I hit the observation deck at Rockefeller Center, showed amazing self control at FAO Schwartz, and took a few minutes for breakfast at Tiffany's.

An apple counts as breakfast, right?

Of course, I saw some shows. Mary Poppins was great. And we were on the 4th row.

My favorite was definitely Anything Goes. I've been a Sutton Foster fan since Thoroughly Modern Millie...and to actually see her in a show was awesome. I want to be her when I grow up.

We had a 4 hour layover in Chicago on the way home...so I made everyone take the train into the city. There was just enough time to pick up a Giordano's pizza and stroll through Millenium Park before we had to be back at the airport. It turns out that you CAN bring a pizza through security. The guards will all threaten to confiscate it, but they will be secretly impressed that a girl from NC knows about Giordano's.

So that's about it for exciting news...for now. I really need to be better about updating this thing...

you're a mean one

2011-11-30T14:04:00.004-05:00

chow time

2011-10-18T10:40:00.004-04:00

I'm going to the fair with Lydia tonight. You know what that means.

If I survive, I'll tell you all about my trip to New York. It was amazing. And then I got pizza in Chicago (See? Now you KNOW you want to hear THAT story...).

signed

2011-09-22T11:47:00.005-04:00

We've been shuffling around offices at work. Don't worry, I still have the best seat in the house (in the corner, with windows that open, and far enough away from the bullpen that I don't have to hear a lot of the drama).

Our office manager made new signs for everyone. Check out mine. It is made of awesome:

I'll learn to be professional one day. I promise.

landscaping

2011-07-18T19:42:00.003-04:00

Three weeks ago, the only cool tree in my yard fell down.

It was an oak tree, covered in ivy, and it was about a hundred years old. I knew it wasn't super sturdy, but I liked it. It had character.

After my wonderful father chopped it up and hauled it away, I decided that I'd had enough with my raggedy yard.

That's right. I'd had enough and was ready to actually sweat.

Since I know nothing about landscaping, my wonderful friend Jimmy gave me good advice about what to do. I RoundUp-ed the hill. My wonderful mother helped me cover the hill in front of the house with landscaping fabric to block the weeds. Then my wonderful father hauled home a dump truck load of mulch. Most of which I shoveled out. Myself.

Here's the finished product:

I think it finally looks like someone respectable lives here...

slash

2011-06-22T17:13:00.003-04:00

Well...it's June on the farm.

Which means Fred had to go to the emergency room the other day.

Pop Quiz: Why did he have to go to the ER?
A - He got shanked by a cow.
B - John decided to show him who was boss.
C - He went to dislodge a rock from the mower (while it was off) and nicked his arm with one of the blades.

He got 9 stitches and good talking to from his children. We're going to have to start wrapping him in bubble wrap and making him sit in the truck while farm work is going on...

And I think I'll start calling him Slash, just for kicks.

aunties

2011-06-16T12:23:00.009-04:00

I have 4 amazing aunts.

Seriously. They're the best!

There's my Aunt Martha - Fred's sister. She's passionate about truth and her country and her Southern heritage. And poodles. If I ever need to run away, I just go to her house for a while. Her house is like a second home...where nobody fusses if you don't get out of bed until 11:00. I love that about her. I just never get to spend enough time with her.

It's been mentioned in passing that I'm more like her than her own children. I think it's a compliment.

And then there are Shirley's sisters, Marie, Lois, and Kay. They all get together and sing four part harmony and tell hilarious stories about crazy relatives I barely remember and get real excited about good food. They have also been known to do some awesome line dancing at midnight. I don't get to spend enough time with them!

Marie always sends birthday cards. ALWAYS. She never forgets. That is amazing to me. She paints beautiful pictures and always has some interesting news from the Caswell Messenger (their hometown newspaper) to share.

Lois is never without an extra Walmart bag. You never know when you're going to need a Walmart bag. She also plays the piano by ear, which is incredible and makes me sad that I didn't get that superpower.

Kay is just fun to be around, period. She's usually up to something, and you know how I love to be up to something. Like me, she recognizes dressing as a major food group. Love of dressing creates a deep, deep bond.

I'm just so blessed to have all of them as my aunts. They're the best. And it's a good thing I've had such good examples.

'Cause in January, I'M GOING TO BE ONE TOO!!!!

pushing buttons

2011-06-08T16:12:00.008-04:00

So we're crossing the street at lunch today and we walk past the crosswalk. Some guy - A GROWN MAN mind you - is standing there pushing the button over and over and over again. Every time you push it, it makes a horrible beep-y noise. I mean, pushing it constantly isn't going to make the light change any faster, you know? It was all I could do to not smack him in the back of his head as I walked by.

This doesn't really have anything to do with anything...except it was awfully annoying during lunch time.

And perhaps my short fuse means that the latest round of prednisone isn't quite out of my system yet.

Perhaps.

5.5 hours

2011-05-19T15:36:00.001-04:00

You know the drill.

I'm busy tonight.

That is all.

DC - Part Two

2011-05-04T11:59:00.011-04:00

So, on day 2, we didn't even go into the city.

And we certainly didn't go anywhere that had anything to do with spies.

And we didn't have to disguise ourselves.

And we didn't break into teams to do a spy mission.

But IF we HAD, Sydney, Emily, and I would have beaten Meredith, Benjamin, and Eli. By a good ten minutes.

Just saying.

While I'm denying things, I should mention that I did NOT hang around at the Hoover waiting for Special Agent Seeley Booth to come by.

(**editor's note: I have done everything I know to do to turn this picture around, and it just won't load right. Tilt your head to the left and behold the awesomeness.)

After we didn't do anything spy-related at all, we stopped by the White House.

These goobers are so much fun:

After a short metro ride, we found ourselves at the Library of Congress. I wouldn't have chosen to see this on my own, but I was awfully glad we did. I was really struck by the beauty of the building.

And there was a Gershwin exhibit in the basement! This crowd LOVES some Gershwin!

We strolled past the Capitol:

And then Meredith went all Trip-Nazi on us:

So we saluted.

This was the point where my gimpy foot went from stiff and sore to kind of numb...which...believe it or not, made all the walking a little easier.

I got really good at bringing up the rear and counting heads. 1-2-3-4-5-6. Yep...all here!

Off to steal - I mean - see the Declaration of Independence:

And we finished up the night at the Lincoln Memorial. (Which is nowhere near a Metro Stop. If someone tells you it is, they are lying, and you will walk 2 miles each way to see it. ON A GIMPY FOOT. This concludes the Public Service Announcement.)

The last time I was in DC, I was eight. Our family went, and we brought Me-ma and Pa-pa with us (who, had never really been anywhere in their lives). Everything seemed so huge and wonderful when I was little. Don't get me wrong, there are still a lot of grand things in our nation's capital, but nothing was as grand as I had remembered. Except the Lincoln Memorial.

The few days that followed the trip are a bit of a blur. What should have been a 5 hour drive home on Saturday took 10 hours. When we finally got close to home, a tornado was IN OUR TOWN and we had to drive away from the storm before coming back home. Fortunately, everything at my house was OK.

Meredith's family, who lives in the woods, couldn't even get up their driveway for the fallen trees, and had no power. So, they all came home with me and stayed for a few days. It was fun...mainly because I had 4 people who wanted to play Playstation with me.

So that was our trip. What an adventure!

Meredith's talking about doing Europe next. I'm all over that...

D to the C

2011-05-03T12:18:00.012-04:00

My good buddy Meredith invited me to go to Washington DC with her, her mama, and her 4 kids.

(The jury is still out on whether she was crazy to invite me, or whether I was crazy to accept.)

We got off the metro at the USDA...I was REALLY tempted to go in and tell them exactly what I think of their Specialty Crops Program:

Then we strolled down to the Bureau of Engraving. It turns out that I'm $1,537,800 tall. Who knew?

After taking some nice tourist shots with Benjamin and Emily

we headed to the Smithsonian.

First stop, American History. I got to see Dorothy's ruby slippers, an AMAZING exhibit on America's wars, and was completely star-struck when I saw Kermit the Frog.

I made a special trip to check out Julia Child's kitchen...

...where I found my new favorite quote:

That's my new mantra.

On the way out, I saw C-3PO and totally geeked out on them.

This is the costume from Return of the Jedi, in case you were wondering. I wonder if it still has sand from Tatooine in the joints...

After lunch, we were off to the Natural History museum. How about that elephant (and Emi's pretty cute, too)!?!

We went through the skeleton exhibit. Here, at the buffalo skeleton, Benjamin, Eli, and Emily show off their best buffalo faces:

Since I'm mildly obsessed with Bones, we went through a forensic anthropology exhibit based on skeletons found at Jamestown. This boy died from an infection after he was shot with an arrow. See the arrowhead (in his left femur)? It was found with the skeleton. Fascinating.

Somehow, I ended up taking the boys through the gem exhibit. They wanted to see the Hope Diamond. For 20 minutes, all I heard about was the Hope Diamond.

Then we saw the Hope Diamond.

Eli steps up, peeks in, shrugs his shoulders, and says "It's kinda small."

Talk about anti-climactic.

We HAD to go to the gift shop (Benjamin's goal was to leave no gift shop unbrowsed). I found a kitty that looked a bit like Oozey!

After a snack, we were back on the mall and on our way to the Air and Space Museum. Sydney, Eli, Benjamin, and Emily took part in a paper airplane-building contest

while Francine modeled the very latest in aviator fashion:

I was eager to see the World War II memorial, so we walked down the mall...with a break for some Funny Girl, of course:

Funny girls, indeed.

The WWII memorial was amazing. Beautiful. Sad.

I sure wish my Grandaddy could have seen it.

It was late, and my gimpy foot (which - all things considered - did VERY well) was starting to throb. So we headed back to the hotel.

Stay tuned for the adventure I can't talk about...

need to know

2011-04-25T11:37:00.003-04:00

I have a great post coming. When I remember to bring my camera to work, I'll post it.

Promise.

dream

2011-04-08T13:00:00.005-04:00

I knew it the moment I saw it on a trailer in front of Ashley's Art in F-V. We were meant to be. Inevitable even.

One day, I would ride in the giant NCDA shopping cart.

Shirley beat me to it:

I'm beyond jealous right now. Just thought you should know.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have the urge to pick up some House Autry and make hushpuppies...

goat fight

2011-03-24T08:47:00.008-04:00

I noted on Facebook two days ago that I had inadvertently started a goat fight.

Every night when I go out to water my new blueberry bushes (which ALL have leaves sprouting *high fives*), my neighbor's Friendly goat comes over to say hello. She's so cute...so I started giving her handfuls of nice green grass to much on while we visited. Two days ago, the Grumpy goat (who has previously avoided me like the plague), decided she wanted some grass too. An epic head-butting battle ensued, and I snuck back into the house before my neighbor could come out and laugh at me.

SO, when I went out last night to water the blueberry bushes (because I didn't check the weather report to see that it was going to rain ANYWAY), I grabbed my camera. As you can see, Friendly goat is waiting for me...but this time Grumpy is ready too. This fight isn't as dramatic...it's more of a disagreement.

It's still pretty cute:

The moral of the story is this: Those blueberry bushes have been in the ground for a month and ALL THREE are still alive (*high fives again*)!

perspective

2011-03-08T17:00:00.004-05:00

A year ago today, I woke up to a gimpy foot. A lot has happened in a year:

- X-rays
- Prednisone
- Cortisone
- Air cast
- John & Rachael got married
- More prednisone
- Cornerstone Theater Productions did "Little Red Riding Hood"
- an MRI
- Took a fun trip to the beach with work friends for my boss' wedding
- More prednisone
- Spent Labor Day with some of my favorite people in the world
- Changed up my diet
- Physical Therapy
- Went to lots of Wolfpack football games
- Anti-inflammatory drugs galore
- Had a great Thanksgiving/Christmas
- Received 5 targeted steroid injections that seem to have fixed my foot. Mostly.
- I turned 31

So it's been a big year...medically speaking. After all of that, what I take away is this:

God is good.

He is in control. He has seen fit to allow this...and I think that, ultimately, I've never been better off. Because the big thing, the most important thing, is that He sent His son to take a punishment that I didn't deserve, so that I can be saved. He provided for a need that I had, before I even knew I had a need.

So I'll keep asking God to heal my foot. I'll stick to my new diet. I'll even keep taking anti-inflammatory drugs.

That's small stuff, when you think about it.

drugged

2011-02-15T10:51:00.008-05:00

I have a sinus infection. I spent my weekend with a Z-pack and the cough syrup that has hydrocodone in it. Here is a list of what happened while I was "medicated":

1. Put my pajamas on inside out and didn't notice until I changed out of them the next day.

2. Wondered if I could be the exception to the "no operating heavy machinery" clause on the side of the bottle.

3. Hummed the theme song from Roswel l for an hour.

4. Decided to re-watch Roswell.

5. Got 2 episodes into Roswell and realized I'd actually been humming the theme to Firefly instead.

6. Marveled that the PA that prescribed my meds looked just like Vincent from Beauty and the Beast.

7. Worried that I watch too much TV...while watching TV.

8. Slept 12 hours.

9. Woke up, made toast, went back to bed.

10. Slept an hour, woke up, made toast, experienced deja'vu.

11. Was convinced that my sheep pajamas were mad at me because I hadn't worn them in a week.

12. Worried that Shirley was going to come take my medicine away. Or maybe Rachael.

So that was my weekend. I'm mostly better now.

Mostly.

x5

2011-01-04T22:28:00.003-05:00

So tomorrow is the day. After seeing a new orthopedist (who I absolutely adore - let me know if you need an excellent orthopedist in Raleigh), my gimpy foot was re-diagnosed as severe arthritis. She has scheduled me for 5 steroid injections at various points on my foot tomorrow afternoon. My doctor believes that this will either fix the gimpy foot completely, or at least get it better for the foreseeable future.

I am cautiously optimistic.

All prayers are appreciated. Even though this is supposed to fix the gimpy foot, I'm told that I'll be in considerable pain for 6-18 hours after they do the procedure. Like, needing-crutches-to-go-to-the-bathroom-and-your-mama-makes-you-stay-at-her-house-so-she-can-watch-you pain.

And we all know how well I handle pain.

But I digress.

The next post my be incoherent due to pain medicine...but according to my coworkers I'm quite entertaining when I'm doped up. Stay tuned...

in the mail

2010-12-14T20:05:00.008-05:00

It's Christmas card time. I'm behind. WAAAAAY behind. I made my poor mother come over not once, but TWICE to capture a wonderful picture of me and Oozey for the Christmas card.

We started out at the bannister:

Oozey wanted nothing to do with her usual favorite spot...so we brought in Frank as a pinch-hitter. That didn't go very well either. He was trying to get down so he could go pee in his favorite corner...

"You're squishing me. I only want to pee a little. I promise."

After Frank went back out, someone decided to get on the banister:

Hmmm. Maybe some eggnog will encourage her to smile for the camera:

Nope. Just makes me look like a glutton for drinking straight out of the carton.

Which I NEVER do.

You know what? Let's just move on from that. We FINALLY thought we'd gotten the shot:

...only the setting on the camera wasn't right and it's WAY too grainy. Shirley and I gave up. But we didn't cry - even though I think we both wanted to. We're grown ups like that. Oozey pouted for a while:

So I got home from work today and we decided to try again. Here's the test shot:

Then we moved on to an Oozey shot. Mama thought she looked raccoon-ish here, so we abandoned the banister once and for all:

We tried under the Christmas tree. I brought out the bird in an attempt to lure her into the frame:

But she figured me out.

"You are ridiculous. And I am above this. And you really need to vacuum."

This next one worked in my head. Not so much in real life.

(I'm holding a treat behind baby Jesus' head.)

We went back to the chair. Now the treat's in my ear.

I can't believe I just admitted that.

Then Oozey jumped down and got back under the Christmas tree. So Mama took a picture of me. I think it's quite good, considering we were both on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

And that's where I'll leave you. We DID get a Christmas card picture...but you'll have to watch your mailbox for that one.

In conclusion, my mother is a saint.

Thank you.

bugged

2010-12-10T17:00:00.003-05:00

I think this fellow has a hidden camera in my house...

happy family time

2010-12-01T10:45:00.005-05:00

We got together to put up the tree at Fred & Shirley's house last night - or, as Shirley calls it - "Happy Family Time." We put up the tree while Fred sat in the den watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Here's the happiest moment of the night...Rachael officially takes possession of the sparkly wise man that John made when he was 6.

We got the tree set up, then realized that part of the lights on the top section were blown out. John and Rach spent a good while looking for the blown bulb...but we ended up just adding a new string of lights. I keep waiting for Rachael to realize what she's married into and run away...

Aaaaand...for good measure...here's a shot of my half of the office. We're bordering on tacky...but I think it's great. I'm plotting to leave the twinkle lights up year-round! (and yes that IS the super cool Wolfpacky Christmas tree in the window...)

double feature

2010-11-22T12:40:00.008-05:00

I head a pretty busy day on Saturday. I got some target practice in first thing, then headed over to watch the Wolfpack take on the tarholes. By the way...

HOW 'BOUT THAT WOLFPACK?!?!

After the game, I headed home and treated myself to a double feature...Holiday Inn and White Christmas. I love me some Bing Crosby.

Now I'm ready to put up Christmas decorations. Can someone restrain me for a week, please?

Thanks. The ornaments will appreciate an extra week away from Oozey.

11/11

2010-11-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Veterans' Day to my 2 favorite veterans! Thank you for doing hard things so the rest of us can be free. I love you!

500

2010-11-05T12:30:00.005-04:00

Wow. We've made it to 500 posts. I'd like to start off by thanking everyone for reading this foolishness...and by apologizing that I haven't updated in quite a while. I've been a bad blogger. I'll reform. I promise.

Lydia and I went to the fair two weeks ago. We ate everything and made poor Amy come along to document it. I think she ended up eating more that Lydia and I when it was all said and done. OK...on to the pictures.

The first stop: Fried Cheese. I got introduced to this last year...and it's fast becoming a favorite. The only drawback? I can't eat a whole order by myself. We split this 3 ways and it was still almost too much!

If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound?

And if you eat a ham biscuit at the fair before Lydia gets there to see you eating it, does it count?

Of course it does. That ham biscuit (which was purchased here about 2 hours before this picture was taken) was delicious.

So was the fried Milky Way:

And the Al's Fries. I'm really focusing on my ketchup to vinegar ratio here:

It was at this point in the evening that my gimpy foot got the better of me. I spent the next hour hobbling around and poor Lydia and Amy had to practically carry me out of the fair. I whined a lot. I think I might have even cried at one point.

I rallied for NC State ice cream though. That always seems to bring me around. I didn't make it to the free fudge in the craft booth. All of our aches and pains caught up to us at that moment. I think I was begging for an amputation as I was clutching my milkshake:

So that was the fair. Next year I'm bringing a wheelchair. Or maybe a Hoveround.

I'll definitely be bringing Amy and Lydia.

nada

2010-08-27T09:14:00.004-04:00

Wow. I've been MIA on the blog for a while. I'm kind of embarrassed.

The truth is...I have nothing to report. I go to work, I go to PT, I go home, I ice my foot. That's about it.

I have been doing a little more cooking lately. Since I decided to cut way back on salt, fat, sugar, and processed food in general, I've been trying to find food that's healthy and tasty. I was doing really well, until I had to go back on prednisone a few weeks ago. Now, everything I eat is the greatest thing I've ever eaten. I could be gnawing on a shoe, and it would be the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. Disturbing, I know.

And football season starts next week...so there's something to be excited about.

OH - my next post will be the 500th. Goodness...time flies. Maybe I'll have some sort of epic post. We'll see.

star gazing

2010-08-13T10:17:00.006-04:00

I attempted to watch a meteor shower for the first time in my life last night. Even at 10:00 at night, it was hot. I saw a satellite or two, and found the Big Dipper and the North star. A lot of planes were going by overhead. It's always fun to think about where they came from and where they are going. I saw 3 meteors in an hour and a half.

Then coyotes started howling. They sounded like they were all around, and coming closer, so I went to bed.

I guess if I want to see meteors, I need to move to Smallville...

gifted

2010-08-09T12:43:00.006-04:00

We had a great time visiting Aunt Martha and Uncle Dan in Virginia. We hit the Bass Pro Shop in search of a birthday gift for a certain sister-in-law. It was really hard to decide between the giant fish pillows:

The horsey margarita mix holder:

The shiny rainbow fish mailbox:

A lifetime supply of peach rings:

A fish tail fly swatter:

A pink four wheeler (I couldn't get Fred & Shirley to go in with me on this one):

A catfish can coozie:

A pink fishing pole (which she may need when we all go to the rivah in a few weeks):

Nothing felt like just the right gift, so Aunt Martha and I gave up and used all our quarters at the shooting range. What fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHAEL!

tickets

2010-08-04T09:37:00.003-04:00

My football tickets came on Monday. That means kickoff is one month from today! YAY!

In other news, I'm heading to VA to see my Aunt Martha and Uncle Dan for a few days. I haven't been anywhere this summer and I need to get out of town before I go crazy. I'm making Rachael take care of Oozey and Frank while I'm gone. She's a good sister!

The foot is still a little gimpy. I'm back on prednisone again...hopefully this will be the last round. I'm seriously ready for a bionic foot.

So, um, that's about it for now. Hopefully I'll have something more exciting to report next time...

busy

2010-07-23T13:50:00.005-04:00

I've been busy this week. Between doctor's appointments, physical therapy, and Backyard Bible Club, I haven't spent much time with Oozey. And she's not shy about telling me when she's feeling neglected:

I mean, LOOK at that face!

The good news is that I'm officially out of the boot. There's still a lot of swelling, but hopefully that will settle down in a few days.

Rachael is letting me paint faces at the Bible Club finale tonight...so...that should be interesting. I'm still trying to decide what I want painted on my face...it's always a toss-up between a cat nose and whiskers and something Wolfpacky.

We'll see...

**UPDATE**

I went with the cat face. I wanted to paint a little more, but I was already humming "Memory"...and my foot isn't well enough to dance yet.

blue

2010-07-12T12:14:00.004-04:00

On Saturday John, Rachael, and I headed down to Goldsboro to visit with Aunt Martha and Uncle Dan and his mom, Granny (ok...so she's not really our Granny...but we love her so much that we usually forget that detail). Granny has a bumper crop of blueberries this year...so we got to work:

Doesn't Uncle Dan look fetching in his red straw hat?

We also dug up some baby bushes to bring home. Hopefully we'll have our own bushes in a few years!

I froze most of mine for smoothies...but I did have to make some muffins. Mmm!

a note

2010-06-21T10:39:00.005-04:00

On Saturday, we learned that these two individuals:

should probably not be allowed to use farm equipment unsupervised unless this patient and forgiving individual:

is around to fix whatever they may or may not (but probably may) have broken. And the Gator needed to be washed anyway.

And I love having a sister!

That is all.

cold and hot

2010-06-17T12:25:00.005-04:00

I'm working through lunch today...but I'm not neglecting my gimpy foot. I had my first physical therapy appointment yesterday. My assignment is to ice my foot during lunch and to write the ABCs with my foot a few times every day. IT IS HARD. I do pretty well until I get to H-I-J-K, and then my ankle doesn't want to do it anymore. Oh well. At least we're moving forward with getting this thing better! Don't be jealous of my copy paper box footstool...

In other news, my dear friend (and former boss) Suzy got married on Saturday. We had a great time at the beach...even though it was hot! I got to meet all of her family from Miami...and I'm kind of hoping that they'll adopt me and teach me to salsa dance. They are so much fun! So congrats Suzy and Josh...may you live happily ever after!

answers

2010-06-09T09:59:00.004-04:00

So after 4 months, 3 X-rays, 2 cortisone shots, 2 rounds of prednisone, 2 anti-inflammatory prescriptions, 700 Advils, 2 pain medicine prescriptions, 2 urgent care visits, 2 orthopedist visits, an ankle brace, an ace bandage, an air cast, 2 visits to the rheumatologist, 2 blood panels, and an MRI, we FINALLY know why my foot is gimpy!

[drumroll, please...]

I have a torn ligament in my ankle and a fractured big toe.

I'm not sure what this means right now...I'm being scheduled with an orthopedist that specializes in foot and ankle injuries...so I guess we'll wait until I see her to know what happens next.

I'm just relieved to finally know what's wrong. I still have no idea how it happened.

Praise God for answers!

Eliza Doolittle Day

2010-05-20T07:00:00.002-04:00

Ahem. So...um...tonight is season finale night. I think we all know the deal.

I'm busy.

And happy Twentieth of May!

boot buddies

2010-05-18T13:14:00.004-04:00

Meey Sydney. She's one of my favorite kids ever. She also wants to be just like me:

Only she's a gymnast and she actually KNOWS why she's wearing her boot (ligament trouble). Oh well. We're planning to hang out and elevate our feet sometime soon. It'll be fun!

***

And don't laugh. I didn't realize my eyes were closed until I posted this...and I've gone too long without an update to wait for a reshoot!

change

2010-04-29T10:35:00.004-04:00

So stuff changes. Situations we don't like will eventually change for the better, and the situations we do like, well, they won't stay that way forever. We grow, we move on, we change. I guess change is a side-effect of being alive. That doesn't mean I always have to like it. Nothing stays the same...or does it?

"But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting "

Psalm 103:17a

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."

Psalm 136:1

"Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages."

Psalm 135:13

"Trust in the Lord forever,for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Isaiah 26:4

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever!"

Psalm 118:1

Everlasting. Enduring. Forever.

Now THAT'S something I can count on.

perfect

2010-04-11T18:21:00.003-04:00

...and they lived happily ever after...

Congratulations
John and Rachael!

that's no moon

2010-04-06T08:50:00.003-04:00

We started putting up decorations for John and Rachael's wedding last night. The light up walking horse is in place. And half of the lanterns are up. They make me quote Star Wars...

resurrection

2010-04-03T16:00:00.000-04:00

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high Priest who's name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hand
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart

When satan tempts me to despair
and tells me of the guilt within
upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin

Because a sinless Savior died
my sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
to look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of Glory and of grace

One with Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God

air walk

2010-04-01T11:19:00.004-04:00

After a round of Prednisone didn't fix my gimpy foot, I went to see the orthopedist. He confirmed that the joint is fine, but the tissue around the joint is inflamed. Crazy, angry inflamed. He drew out a syringe of fluid for analysis, and then shot my ankle full of Cortisone and put me in an air cast. I'm going back next week for a booster shot before John & Rachael's wedding. I just need to be able to stand on it and wear regular shoes for an hour so I don't ruin their pictures. After that, I'm off to the rheumatologist for more tests (and hopefully an answer for what's wrong).

Speaking of said wedding, we're all still working frantically to prepare for the big day. Lots of festivities are planned...and I can't wait to see everyone! So...uh...that's about it for now. I was going to make an April Fool's joke about pulling for the tarholes, but there are some things that you just don't joke about...

gimpy

2010-03-23T14:08:00.004-04:00

My foot is still gimpy. It was getting better, then blew up again on Sunday afternoon. When I woke up on Monday morning, my ankle was the size of a softball...so I went back to visit the good folks at Urgent Care. I am still in the ankle brace (on the bright side, I am allowed to wear tennis shoes to work indefinitely...so it's not SO bad) and will be on steroids for the rest of the week. Fear me.

So, other than getting ready for John and Rachael's wedding, that's about it for now. We're all so excited...but there's always something to do (pssst - Martha - we need to find shoes). I'm heading to the tanning bed this week, so if I have to be gimpy at the wedding, at least I'll be tan and gimpy.

tag

2010-03-16T08:35:00.006-04:00

OK, OK. I was tagged by my friend Monica...so here are 10 things about me:

1. I have a gimpy foot. I'm not sure why, but it was very swollen and sore last week. I mean, I can't remember hurting it or anything. I have very good drugs and am expected to be in an ankle brace for the foreseeable future. On the bright side, I can wear my All-Stars all the time, since that's about all I can get my foot into with the brace on.

2. I am completely over basketball season. Bring on Football!

3. My brother is getting married in a few weeks. I'm very excited to be getting a sister!

4. I could eat chocolate at every meal and never get sick of it.

5. The main reason I went to Meredith College was so I could wear pajamas every day.

6. I haven't been sleeping well lately. I have no idea why. Waking up several times in the middle of the night is not fun.

7. I love musicals. I especially love when I run into other people that appreciate musicals and we can sing a song and do the dance together. This happens at work from time to time. However, since I have the aforementioned gimpy foot, I don't think I'll be doing any dancing for a while.

8. I'm really enjoying my job. Like, really enjoying it.

9. I hate surprises. I don't mind little surprises so much...but alter-your-plan-for-the-day surprises rip me out of the frame.

10. About 8 years ago, McDonald's had Jungle Book jungle gym building sets in their Happy Meals. My friend Karen and I ate about 20 Happy Meals so we could get the whole set. I still have the giant jungle gym set up on my desk at work. It's quite the conversation piece.

So there you have it. Rachael, Martha, and Vicki...you're up!

jib chai

2010-03-04T12:23:00.007-05:00

We had a cultural experience last night. John brought me a chai tea set from Iraq (isn't it cool?), and while Rachael, Martha, and I were addressing wedding invitations, he brewed up a quasi-Iraqi pot of chai tea.

We learned that when visitors come, you yell "Jib chai!," and in a few minutes, some household underling will bring a tray of tiny teacups full of tea.

It's very hot, and almost too sweet. Oozey pouted when we wouldn't share:

Maybe next time we can convince him to wear his man-dress while he jib chais...

big day

2010-03-02T12:17:00.007-05:00

I had a big day yesterday.

A giant banner greeted me in the office:

I found balloons on my car in the afternoon:

And the best part of all...I had the greatest birthday cake EVER:

I mean, LOOK at this thing:

I MAY have eaten cake for supper last night. Because I am mature like that.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

In other news...I think everyone knows by now...but we lost Max a few weeks ago. He was a special part of our family for a long time. The farm is certainly not the same without him. I still look for him when I pull into the driveway. He will always be missed.

Fred celebrated the birth of his first baby girl by bringing home a new baby girl. Meet Ellie!

from the front

2010-02-15T13:15:00.003-05:00

I'm on Cape Cod today. I've had a great long weekend with Alla, Steve, and Riley. We went to see the Nobska Light yesterday. I have decided that I like beaches better when they have snow on them.

Alla and I made Steve take us to Captain Parker's for some chowda. It's pretty much my favorite:

Or it was my favorite...until we had chocolate mousse cannolis from Mike's Pastry in Boston:

I took this picture especially for Riley's aunt Shirley. I won't say what he's digging for, but it rhymes with sugar:

So that's it for now. They're calling for some snow overnight tonight, so here's hoping I get snowed in!

homecoming

2010-02-05T12:11:00.012-05:00

We are praising God! Lt. John FINALLY made it home yesterday!

Rachael was glad to have her hat back:

Max was glad to have his boy back:

And Martha got so excited about the creme de mint brownies that she forgot about John:

And we are all glad to be able to trade this banner:

for this one:

WELCOME HOME Lt. JOHN!!!

assistant

2010-02-03T13:55:00.003-05:00

We got to work at home on Monday due to the snow. I had an assistant:

Her official title is "Executive Assistant in Charge of Chair Warming" and I pay her in cat treats and belly rubs.

I'll take that tax credit for creating jobs now...

sunday funnies

2010-01-26T11:46:00.005-05:00

So this one hits a little close to home:

In other news, I'm hoping to take down that blue star banner over there in the next week or so. Hooray!

reasons

2010-01-24T17:45:00.004-05:00

OK girls...I need some help. I was trying to explain why Mr. Darcy is the man that every girl wants to marry...and I just couldn't put my finger on exactly what it is. So...help me out, will you?

What is it about Mr. Darcy that makes him so dreamy?

pressing on

2010-01-20T12:25:00.007-05:00

We have some of the prettiest sunsets, don't you think? Usually they're red and orange and pink...but I thought this one was nice last night.

I don't have much else to report. I went with Rachael, Martha, and our mothers to find bridesmaids' dresses...and we were successful! We found them in the second store we tried...and they were ON SALE! God is good. I like them a lot. In fact, I *may* have tried mine on a few times since we bought them. Shirley thinks mine is too low cut and is plotting a way to stick a piece of lace in there before the wedding.

Now we just have to find shoes (since Rachael is reneging on her promise to let me wear All Stars).

So, other than waiting on Lt. John to get home, that's about it.

OH - I found a cheap plane ticket so I'm headed back to Beantown in a few weeks. I can't wait. The clam chowder is worth it! And speaking of Boston, how 'bout that election yesterday?!? Maybe we won't have to have obamacare after all...

quoting Ann

2010-01-12T16:52:00.005-05:00

I just got around to reading Ann Coulter's column from last week. She addresses the fallout from some comments that Brit Hume made recently when discussing the Tiger Woods drama.

You know I enjoy Ann Coulter's sassy mouth...and there's a bit of that in here. There's also truth. Read it immediately. It is incredible:

January 6, 2010

Someone mentioned Christianity on television recently and liberals reacted with their usual howls of rage and blinking incomprehension.

On a Fox News panel discussing Tiger Woods, Brit Hume said, perfectly accurately:

"The extent to which he can recover, it seems to me, depends on his faith. He is said to be a Buddhist. I don't think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith. So, my message to Tiger would be, 'Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world."

Hume's words, being 100 percent factually correct, sent liberals into a tizzy of sputtering rage, once again illustrating liberals' copious ignorance of Christianity. (Also illustrating the words of the Bible: "How is it you do not understand me when I speak? It is because you cannot bear to listen to my words." John 8:43.)

In The Washington Post, Tom Shales demanded that Hume apologize, saying he had "dissed about half a billion Buddhists on the planet."

Is Buddhism about forgiveness? Because, if so, Buddhists had better start demanding corrections from every book, magazine article and blog posting ever written on the subject, which claims Buddhists don't believe in God, but try to become their own gods.

I can't imagine that anyone thinks Tiger's problem was that he didn't sufficiently think of himself as a god, especially after that final putt in the Arnold Palmer Invitational last year.

In light of Shales' warning Hume about "what people are saying" about him, I hope Hume's a Christian, but that's not apparent from his inarguable description of Christianity. Of course, given the reaction to his remarks, apparently one has to be a regular New Testament scholar to have so much as a passing familiarity with the basic concept of Christianity.

On MSNBC, David Shuster invoked the "separation of church and television" (a phrase that also doesn't appear in the Constitution), bitterly complaining that Hume had brought up Christianity "out-of-the-blue" on "a political talk show."

Why on earth would Hume mention religion while discussing a public figure who had fallen from grace and was in need of redemption and forgiveness? Boy, talk about coming out of left field!

What religion -- what topic -- induces this sort of babbling idiocy? (If liberals really want to keep people from hearing about God, they should give Him his own show on MSNBC.)

Most perplexing was columnist Dan Savage's indignant accusation that Hume was claiming that Christianity "offers the best deal -- it gives you the get-out-of-adultery-free card that other religions just can't."

In fact, that's exactly what Christianity does. It's the best deal in the universe. (I know it seems strange that a self-described atheist and "radical sex advice columnist faggot" like Savage would miss the central point of Christianity, but there it is.)

God sent his only son to get the crap beaten out of him, die for our sins and rise from the dead. If you believe that, you're in. Your sins are washed away from you -- sins even worse than adultery! -- because of the cross.

"He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:14.

Surely you remember the cross, liberals -- the symbol banned by ACLU lawsuits from public property throughout the land?

Christianity is simultaneously the easiest religion in the world and the hardest religion in the world.

In the no-frills, economy-class version, you don't need a church, a teacher, candles, incense, special food or clothing; you don't need to pass a test or prove yourself in any way. All you'll need is a Bible (in order to grasp the amazing deal you're getting) and probably a water baptism, though even that's disputed.

You can be washing the dishes or walking your dog or just sitting there minding your business hating Susan Sarandon and accept that God sent his only son to die for your sins and rise from the dead ... and you're in!

"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9.

If you do that, every rotten, sinful thing you've ever done is gone from you. You're every bit as much a Christian as the pope or Billy Graham.

No fine print, no "your mileage may vary," no blackout dates. God ought to do a TV spot: "I'm God Almighty, and if you can find a better deal than the one I'm offering, take it."

The Gospel makes this point approximately 1,000 times. Here are a few examples at random:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23.

In a boiling rage, liberals constantly accuse Christians of being "judgmental." No, we're relieved.

Christianity is also the hardest religion in the world because, if you believe Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead, you have no choice but to give your life entirely over to Him. No more sexual promiscuity, no lying, no cheating, no stealing, no killing inconvenient old people or unborn babies -- no doing what all the other kids do.

And no more caring what the world thinks of you -- because, as Jesus warned in a prophecy constantly fulfilled by liberals: The world will hate you.

With Christianity, your sins are forgiven, the slate is wiped clean and your eternal life is guaranteed through nothing you did yourself, even though you don't deserve it. It's the best deal in the universe.

COPYRIGHT 2009 ANN COULTER
DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL UCLICK
1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106

green

2010-01-08T08:57:00.004-05:00

My cousin Laura got me started on green smoothies for breakfast when I visited her in Chicago last fall. I was a bit skeptical at first, but once I tried it, there was no going back! Every morning I have a smoothie made with some combination of fruits (usually 2 or 3 kinds) and as much spinach as I can cram in there. That's 4 servings of fruit and vegetables before 10:00 am!

This morning I used strawberries, so it isn't quite so green. It's kind of an army green...and that made me miss my little brother. So, John, this smoothie is dedicated to you. I'll make you one when you get home. I'll even serve it in one of your fancy chai teacups...

mayhem on the farm

2009-12-28T09:49:00.012-05:00

Yesterday we were watching football and napping when a neighbor called. HORSES WERE OUT! We jumped up and ran outside to see that 3 of John & Rachael's 4 horses were out (at least it was ours and not the boarders...). Panic ensued. I immediately called Rach and yelled something like "Horses out! Come NOW!" and hung up the phone. My telephone manners just aren't what they used to be...

Scout was still in the run between all of the paddocks (he had managed to get the gate open, but wasn't smart enough to go under the ropes stretched across the doorways in the barn. We made sure he was secure, then flew back across the road where the other 3 were standing in front of the hay barn. When they saw us coming, they took off across the field...only they didn't see all of the electric fence that Fred had recently put up for the cows.

They ran through the fence, popping it out of all of the insulators on the posts and dragging the wire the length of the field. NOW we were REALLY panicking. Not only were 3 crazy horses on the loose, but the fence was out and there are nearly 100 cows out of a fence.

Aari ran back to the barn, and Shirley and I took off after her. I managed to get close enough to her to get her halter on. PRAISE GOD! Aari is usually the hardest to catch. Her chest was cut up and bloody from running through the barb-wire fence, but she was mainly scared.

At that moment, Rachael (and Mr. Donald & Mrs. Jenny) arrived. PRAISE GOD! Lilly and Cole ran to Rachael and she was able to get them into stalls. Cole seemed to be OK, but Lilly had also run through the fence and was terribly bloody. As the cows were still out, Rach didn't have time to check her. We were headed back across the road to contain the cows.

Fred jumped on the tractor and got a huge round bale of hay on the front in an attempt to lure the cows back into the permanent fence. They followed the tractor, and we all walked behind them to ensure that no stragglers escaped. At this point, I had settled down enough to take a few pictures with my phone (since I KNEW this would be blogworthy). Here, Rachael drives the last cow into the fence:

Once the cows were back in a fence, we took a few minutes to catch our breaths and rejoice. I also took a moment to whine that I'd just tromped through mud and poop in my good tennis shoes. Oh well.

We all rode back to the house and began to repair the fence. We had to walk across the field and FIND the wire, then untangle it (keep in mind that this is BARBED WIRE), then walk it back to where it belonged. Here's Shirley standing in the middle of the line and Rach pulling the end of it:

At that moment, John called. Rach explained what had happened, and I think this was the first time he was actually glad to be in Iraq rather than at home! Rachael talked to him as she stretched the wire back towards the pond:

After we got the wire back in place, we had to replace the broken insulators and straighten and tighten most of the posts.:

I've never seen such a beautiful fence in all of my life:

Nearly 3 hours later, the fence was back in place and electrified again. PRAISE GOD! Rachael was so relieved that she just laid down in the field. I was eventually able to revive her with chocolate covered cherries and a taco.

And what of our perps? Well...

After opening the gate, but not making it out of the barn, Scout (aka Idjit Horse) was deemed not competent to stand trial. He has been sentenced to hard labor in the training ring and is currently being housed in a maximum security facility.

Aari (aka There and Back Again) turned herself in and agreed to testify against the others in return for a reduced sentence. She is on probation until John returns (because Rach and I have no desire to deal with her) and is being investigated for suspected ties to terrorists.

Lilly (aka Image of Battlecry) is presumed to be the ringleader. She is currently nursing her wounds and ego. She has been charged with inciting a riot, destruction of property, and disturbing the peace. She has been sentenced to hard labor in the training ring.

Cole (aka Drums in the Deep) is still not sure what happened, as he was following Lilly. He has been charged as an accessory to property damage and with 100 counts of attempting to rustle cattle. He has been sentenced to hard labor in the show ring and has been ordered to stay away from peach ring candy for the next 60 days.

ornamental

2009-12-23T14:24:00.004-05:00

We put up the tree at 6600 a few weeks ago. I had to hang John's ornaments for him.

I picked out the perfect spot for John's sparkly wise man.

At least that thing will be on his and Rachael's tree next year...

budgits

2009-12-18T12:03:00.002-05:00

I am alive. Work is crazy. I miss my brother. I'll update when I can...

balled up

2009-12-03T09:02:00.005-05:00

I had some help in the kitchen last night:

We made some of Aunt Omie's peanut butter balls to send to Lt. John for Christmas. I hope he doesn't find too much kitty fur in there.

At least I didn't send him the present that Oozey made herself...

28-27

2009-11-29T14:47:00.004-05:00

Hark, the sound of tar heels whining...

thankful

2009-11-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

For all that You've done I will thank You,
For all that You're going to do,
For all that You've promised
And all that You are
And all that has carried me through,
Jesus, I thank You.

Thank You for loving and setting me free,
Thank You for giving Your life just for me
How I thank You, Jesus I thank You,
Gratefully thank You,
Thank You.
By Dennis Jernigan

at first sight

2009-11-23T09:35:00.004-05:00

I fell in love on Friday.

Rachael and I were shopping at Homegoods (as we have been known to do). I was minding my own business. I rounded the corner and we stood face to face. I was mesmerized. Time stood still. I literally heard angels singing. The only thing that I knew in that moment was that we would be together forever.

Meet Howard:

Who wouldn't love that face?

The pictures just don't do him justice (he's sparkly!). Just come on by and meet him...because to know him is to love him.

Saturday in Chicago

2009-11-17T12:09:00.013-05:00

Well here we are again. Let's get this thing finished up before I see Burt and Laura next week, shall we?

So Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day. I have this crazy fascination with Navy Pier, so we went down to check it out. Burt dropped Laura and I off and drove around to avoid paying for parking.

There's the cutest little lighthouse farther out. I took a slanty artistic picture a-la Burt...

We're really starting to look like cousins, don't you think? Something about the eyes...

There is a stained glass museum inside one of the buildings on the pier. There were pieces by Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright...and lots of others that were made in the area.

Aside from Oprah, Chicago is known for 2 other people. I find it ironic that their merchandise shares a shelf...

We finished up at the pier and headed for Millennium Park to see the silver bean. It was REALLY cool. Check out the reflection in the skyline. Can you spot Laura and me?

After leaving the park, we decided to actually park the car. Here I am doing an official Chicagoan activity - paying for parking at the pay box.

They let me in on a little secret. It costs about $18 a person to go to the observation deck of the Sears tower. If you go to the restaurant on the top of the Hancock building, it's free.

Laura told me that the best view was from the women's bathroom...and she was right! The whole wall is a window that overlooks the city. Amazing. (I think Burt was glad we took pictures so he could see.)

Burt turned us loose in the Hershey's store and we may have gotten a little crazed. I don't know what he was thinking...

Aren't they cute?!

Our last stop was the beach...so I can say that I've been on the shore of Lake Michigan.

We finished up the day with a delicious Giordano's pizza. And fancy milkshakes. Cause Laura is an amazing chef. Have I mentioned that already?

So that's the end of my adventures in Chicago. For now. We had such a wonderful time! I'm definitely planning to go back one of these days...I mean, we didn't even get down to the Field Museum and the Planetarium!

Friday in Chicago

2009-11-16T12:16:00.013-05:00

OK OK...I've been a blogger slacker. Here's the rest of my trip to Chicago:

On Friday we set out for the Institute of Art.

Once inside, Burt suggested that we check out the dollhouse rooms. I couldn't figure out what he was talking about...until we walked in. There's a hallway with tons of windows in it...and in each window (they're about 12" x 18") is a perfect replica of a room in different styles and eras. Here are a few of my favorites. You should click on them to really see the detail...

We found a photo op...

And we also saw a bunch of great art. They had several by el Greco, and one that everyone will recognize...

It was a cold, rainy day, so we went to an Austrian coffee shop for something warm to drink. Ahhh...European flashbacks...

We ended the day with another incredible meal. Laura made pasta and roasted veggies with the leftover pesto. Mmmm.

I was really hoping to finish out the trip today...but I have too many cool pictures...and lunchtime is over.

Tune in tomorrow for Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and an amazing view from the ladies' room.

That's right. I said ladies' room. (how's that for a cliffhanger?)

11/11

2009-11-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Veterans' Day to my favorite veteran!

Thursday in Chicago

2009-11-04T16:28:00.013-05:00

So my trip was too exciting and eventful for one post...here's the breakdown one day at a time:

I went to Chicago to visit my wonderful cousin Burt and his wife Laura (have I mentioned lately how GLAD I am that he married her?). They have a super cool condo on the north side of town. Laura had made yummy burritos with homemade guacamole, salsa verde, regular salsa, etc. She also had made molten chocolate cakes - which are my new favorite dessert.

Laura had to work on Thursday, so Burt and I spent the morning playing video games and then set out for the Lincoln Park Zoo.

We got to see a lot of animals up close. My favorite was the black leopard. Look at her sitting in a box just like Oozey does!

Here are some of my other favorite animal pictures:

Apparently I'm the missing link...

We also met this little fellow...he took a leaf out of Burt's hand!

And we may have played around in the gift shop for a bit:

After we left the zoo, Burt took me to the restaurant where the filmed one of my favorite movies, Return to Me ("Grace has Bob's dead wife's heart!"). We went inside and everything looks very similar (minus the Irish-Italian decor, of course), but we didn't take any pictures in there.

When we got home, Laura had made a pumpkin-sweet potato soup and pesto-baby swiss paninis. And there was more chocolate cake.

Tune in next time for our trip to the Art Museum!

fair warning

2009-11-02T08:59:00.006-05:00

I have returned from the Windy City. Cousins were visited. Sights were seen. Much food was consumed. Many pictures were taken.

A mega post is coming.

You've been warned.

no shame

2009-10-26T21:30:00.003-04:00

I tell you what...my friend Lydia has no shame when it comes to chowing down. There's nothing like an evening at the fair to prove my point. This year she even brought our friend Joy along to witness the madness. She started with Al's French Fries...complete with a misting of vinegar and tons of ketchup:

She followed her usual MO by chasing a savory treat with a sweet one: a fried candy bar...

Next stop...a chicken pita. Oh...and a bottle of water. Gotta be healthy, you know:

The evening was capped with an NC State ice cream milkshake. Mm-mmm!

Lydia sure does love her food. She bribed this fellow with some milkshake in an attempt to get him to run away with her!

I had a great time Lydia (and Joy)! This is a night that I wouldn't miss for anything in this world. Let the countdown to next year begin!

What's that? You don't think that I let them eat alone, do you? Check out Lydia's report on my evening at the fair here. Just keep in mind that I'd been sick a few days before and my stomach shrunk. I just wasn't in any state to keep up with her.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

pre-game

2009-10-21T08:59:00.002-04:00

This is your warning. Lydia and I are going to the fair tonight. A mega food post (and possibly a fried food-induced coma) is coming tomorrow...

jello

2009-10-12T09:36:00.006-04:00

Roxie went on vacation last week. You know how we always like to celebrate her return...

This time, we stole her dinosaur. Oozey was anxious to meet him:

The dinosaur resurfaced this morning encased in jello. It turns out that this is a bit more complicated than just preparing a package of jello. I don't really want my stuff put in jello...so I won't be revealing the secret here...

That'll teach her to go on vacation...

pie

2009-10-06T10:58:00.004-04:00

Can it be Thanksgiving now? It's starting to be cooler...we're well into football season (I don't want to talk about it though), and the fair will be here before we know it.

I've been on the phone working on Thanksgiving plans this morning...and now I'm looking forward to Turkey Day. I'm ready for some dressing, mashed potatoes, collards and, of course pumpkin pie. And I can't wait to see my cousins.

OK...now I'm hungry...

38-31

2009-09-29T12:09:00.006-04:00

So HOW 'BOUT THAT WOLFPACK! Vicki and I sat in the rain and we were cold and wet, but what an incredible game! I was amazed that, in spite of the rain, Carter-Finley was full and loud for the whole game.

In other news, I got a new wallet. I decided it was time to put away the keychain wallet thingy from college, and consolidated that, my wallet that I kept cash in, and my checkbook.

This has been a difficult adjustment, since you all know how well I do with change...

27

2009-09-23T00:01:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday, little brother. I miss you!

45-14

2009-09-19T22:34:00.004-04:00

Today was a perfect day. I slept in, got to see the Clemson/Boston College game, then headed to Carter-Finley to cheer on my Wolfpack. I was there to see Russell Wilson break the NCAA record for passes thrown without an interception (329). I also got free chapstick at the stadium. There's a cool breeze blowing, and I saw some leaves falling on the way home.

There is nothing better than Saturdays in the fall!

season 5

2009-09-17T11:43:00.010-04:00

I will be out of commission from 7:55 pm to 9:05 pm tonight. I'm sorry if this is inconvenient, but that's just the way things are.

It's all about priorities, people...

65-7

2009-09-12T23:44:00.007-04:00

What a great night for football! Yes...I KNOW we played a glorified high school team . Just let me have this...OK? I really need it after last week...

It was military appreciation day at Carter-Finley...so we really missed Lt. John.

Rachael came and sat in his Vaughn Towers seat. She acted like she was paying attention the whole time.

We pretended he was with us...and then snagged him a few Wolfpack rice krispy treats and a new angry cup (for when we go back to playing Division 1A teams in a few weeks).

At halftime they unfurled a giant flag while the band did a medley of the armed forces songs and God Bless America. Pretty cool, huh?

HOW 'BOUT THAT PACK?!?!

8 years

2009-09-11T15:32:00.004-04:00

8 years might be a long time. Or perhaps it's a short time.

Either way, it's not long enough to forget...

counter culture

2009-09-08T12:22:00.004-04:00

Hannah invited me to the Duke game on Saturday night. It was the first time I'd been to Wallace-Wade stadium since our youth group went sometime around 1992. I stood in my closet for a long time trying to find something blue. It turns out that the only blue thing I have is a long sleeved hoodie...so I rolled up the sleeves and "glistened" until the sun went down. I did, however, wear my Wolfpack watch and carry my Wolfpack pocketbook. Never let it be said that I'm lacking in the "team spirit" department.

I had a great time...but it was certainly different.

There were just as many Duke shirts as not. There may have been 50 members of the marching band. Ticketed seats aren't really enforced. No one in the stadium actually watches the game. There's no first down cheer...and we didn't get to sing "go to hell, Carolina" (although I don't think they would have minded so much...). Come to think of it...I don't know that I heard a fight song the whole night...

I got really excited when we left in the third quarter to go to Elmo's for a Greek Grilled Cheese. But they close at 10:00 and we got there at 9:59. Oh well. There's always next time...

letdown

2009-09-04T09:49:00.005-04:00

So we went to the game. Carter-Finley was packed and the fans were excited.

Then kickoff happened.

I'm disappointed. Frustrated. And just plain ILL.

No, we didn't make plays that we should have. No, the offense didn't throw the ball down the field (they opted for the short bootleg-to-the-right play EVERY OTHER DOWN).

My main complaint was that when we finally got some momentum going, the refs (from the SEC, I might add) would either make dumb calls or ignore the obvious ones.

All things considered, it was still a great night for football. There was a cool breeze, the full moon rose over the eastern side of the stadium, and Russell made it through the game with his knees intact. My wonderful Gator fan friend Lindsay went with me to the game:

She may have worn a Wolfpack shirt...but she was cheering for her conference all the way. I think she looks good in red.

I will be sulking in my office for the rest of the afternoon. Perhaps I should see how much chocolate it takes to make the pain go away...

season opener

2009-09-01T21:16:00.005-04:00

It's almost game time! I've got my super cool Struttin' Wolf on the car:

The car flags are ready to go:

I have a nice new package of face tattoos:

I've laid out my jewelry:

My pocketbook is waiting by the door:

I even treated myself to a jersey for opening night. I wanted a #17...but all they had was Russell's #16:

I think I've got everything I need - Oops! I forgot the most important part:

Is this the greatest time of year, or what???

the question

2009-08-20T12:35:00.006-04:00

Oh how I wish I had something interesting to write about. This last week has been pretty mundane.

I could lament about my summer "B" parking pass expiring. I've been exiled to the parking deck again. That adds a good 15 minutes to my commute.

Shirley and I are working on a top secret project...but y'all don't have the proper security clearance for me to discuss it here.

The last few days at work have been insane. Lots of last minute submissions. And the one I'm working on now is a trial run for a hog holocaust (in case something like mad cow disease ever hits NC). How depressing.

So that's about it. OH WAIT. I know! I'm getting a haircut tonight. I need to conduct an informal poll:

I could just get a trim and keeping my hair long and curly, or I could get 4-5 inches cut off and go back to the shorter, straighter look:

What do you think?

schedule

2009-08-11T16:01:00.003-04:00

The countdown continues. Have you seen this? I think it's AWESOME.

Bring on the football!

fort

2009-08-07T12:31:00.005-04:00

May I present Oozey's new favorite spot:

There's plenty of room for her to get behind the books, so she hops into the bookcase and sets up a fort. Then she watches me while I watch TV.

It's a bit unnerving.

In other news, the countdown to kickoff is on! We will soon be delivered from baseball, NASCAR, and golf!

fearrington

2009-08-03T12:31:00.004-04:00

We had an adventure on Saturday. Rachael invited me along to check out Fearrington Village. It was beautiful...and almost inspired me to garden. Almost.

We had an incredible lunch, got to meet the village cat (who was hanging out in the china/pottery store - I wouldn't let Oozey within 10 miles of a china shop...), and posed while Mrs. Jenny took 17 pictures of us. In her defense, she didn't realize that the camera was taking pictures...

We also saw the field of stone sheep and...

wait for it...

wait for it...

THE OREO COWS!

I just wish that we could have brought one home!

coordinated

2009-07-30T16:12:00.002-04:00

Ginny made me go get ice cream with her on Monday. I got the Outrageous Oreo, she got the Mint Chocolate Chip. As we were walking back to the office, we noticed that our snacks matched our outfits.

We're just awesome like that...

in the ditch

2009-07-27T12:33:00.015-04:00

And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a ditch on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?"

Luke 14:5 (ESV)

Well...our ox was in the ditch, so to speak.

We don't usually work on the Lord's day, but Fred had hay on the ground, and stormclouds were rolling in. (For you city folks, hay needs to be completely dry when it gets baled and put away or it will mold.)

So we headed out to the hayfield.

I got to ride on the back of the trailer and stack the bales that were thrown on. I just couldn't do the top layer since it's taller than me. It's a good thing that coastal hay is lighter than alfalfa..

Here's farmer Fred, complete with WoundVac drainage tube and suction pump...

Speaking of the wound, I found an ox that I'd like to throw in a ditch...

The first shower of rain barely misses us. We finally get it all loaded and head towards the barn as the thunder rolls overhead:

Woo hoo! The hay is safe in the shelter. Let it rain!

And it did.

I did not get away from the hayfield unscathed. As we were getting close to the end, I was standing near the back of the trailer. Shirley (who was driving the tractor) accelerated and hit a bump in the field at the same time. I bounced right off the trailer and hit my shin on the metal edge on my way to the ground. I have a terrific lump and it hurts like crazy.

At least I don't need a WoundVac...

liberal glasses

2009-07-23T12:30:00.005-04:00

I wore my glasses to work today. The official story is that my eyes were too tired for contacts at 7:00 am this morning. If we're being honest, I like to pretend that I have a secret identity when I wear them.

That's just wishful thinking.

As I was headed out the door, it struck me that my little brother wasn't around to ask me if I was going to save the whales, stop the war, or join the ACLU. He's gotten it into his head that my glasses look like the ones that pseudo-intellectual liberals wear...and he gives me fits about them. I miss him.

At least I didn't wear my Superman t-shirt under my clothes today...

party planning committee

2009-07-20T22:04:00.004-04:00

We take turns being on the party planning committe at work each month. We get randomly paired up and are responsible for hosting a party for the people with a birthday in our month.

July is my month.

And it has completely snuck up on me. I picked up the paper products, found cute napkins, and made a giant vat of pimiento cheese to serve along with the veggie tray. (Fortunately I was not responsible for the drinks or the cake. The cake is too much pressure.) I've packed up all my serving pieces for tomorrow. I also may have stolen one of Fred's "get well soon" flower pots to use as a centerpiece. Yet here I sit...at 10:00 pm the night before the party, and I realize that I think we need an additional table cloth to cover the giant table in the conference room. That means that I have to run back to the party store at lunch tomorrow (fortunately it's just a few blocks away) to get another one. Which guarantees that I'll lose my parking spot.

You can keep the party planning committee. I'm going to join the Finer Things Club.

beckoning

2009-07-14T22:11:00.004-04:00

Raaaaaaaaaaachaaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeelllll!

Cooooome to the beeeeeeaaaaaaccchhhhh!!!!

We can stop by the Ivy Cottage and the Old Time Pottery on the way.

I'll even buy you a taco on the way down AND on the way back...

Don't make me go there aloooooooooone!

(so now it's on the blog. You have to come. I'm leaving Thursday morning around 10:00...)

CSI:Pasture

2009-07-05T22:15:00.008-04:00

Well...I knew that if I ever uploaded a video it would have to be a good one. This one definitely takes the cake. I wanted to ride around and take some pictures of the farm, and you know Rachael is always up for an adventure. She even brought Angie along.

We were riding through the low grounds, when...well...here's what happened:

We'll call it CSI:Pasture. I just wish that at the end of the video, I'd made a witty remark, put on my sunglasses, and looked off into the distance.

two flags

2009-07-04T11:57:00.003-04:00

We're flying two flags this Fourth of July.

Of course there's Old Glory. The Stars and Stripes. The Grand Old Flag. It's symbol of freedom all over the world. But there's a second one this year. It doesn't hang on a flag pole or flap in the breeze. It's very small in comparison to the US flag, and you might not even see it from the road.

It's the Blue Star Banner.

As we celebrate our freedom, let's remember to thank God for our brave soldiers who keep us free!

ain't that a kick in the...

2009-07-01T12:14:00.006-04:00

Fred was wounded in the line of duty last week.

He got kicked by a cow. In the upper thigh. It turned positively black and had a knot the size of a tennis ball. His doctor decided that they needed to remove the knot surgically to ensure that everything healed properly. It's healing...but very slowly. He's been in the hospital since last Thursday.

We figure that we may as well laugh about the injury. One of his friends bestowed a prestigious honor on him. He's the first recipient of the Purple Udder Award:

He's got his instructions from the physical therapist:

I've also been having too much fun bringing him stuff. I'm particularly proud of the balloon. Her name is Bertha. I found him a cow to play with that won't kick him. Last night I smuggled in some Eastern NC bbq, slaw, and hushpuppies. I figured that he needed some comfort food.

Fred's fame has spread throughout the hospital. Every time a new nurse comes in and sees the cows, they say "Oh YOU'RE the one that got kicked by a cow!"

Joking aside, all prayers are appreciated. When he does come home (hopefully in a couple of days), he'll be on crutches for at least two weeks. I have a feeling that this will be difficult for him and for Shirley.

All things considered, I guess this beats a kick in the head...

bbc

2009-06-25T13:00:00.003-04:00

We've been having a great time at Backyard Bible Club this year. I think that Freda is having more fun than the rest of us. It hasn't been too hot...but Rachael has been eaten alive by fire ants twice. It was great to have Joy back last night.

I don't really have anything else to report...except that Rach promised that we'd order the menu at Taco Bell after everything is over on Friday night. I'm holding her to that.

the good old days

2009-06-16T22:32:00.005-04:00

My aunt Martha came to see me yesterday. She just came in for the night, but what a night we had! I love my aunt Martha. She jokes that I'm more like her than her own children. We had a great supper and a wonderful talk, and then the fun started...

Aunt Martha is Fred's sister. They're kind of hilarious when they start telling stories about the good old days. I got to hear all about them growing up, where the Baptist church used to be, and which tobacco warehouse in town had a fish restaurant in the basement. We stayed up too late laughing at their memories of the creepy old undertaker in town and the dentist who would drill your teeth without novocaine. They told all of the funny stories about their parents and grandparents, about the time that hurricane Hazel came through, and the time that my great-granddaddy found some drunk cows (I'll have to tell that one later...).

It was one of those nights that I'll think of years from now when I remember the "good old days..."

measuring up

2009-06-12T12:45:00.005-04:00

We are busy. The NC Dept. of Agriculture proposals are killing us. So far our office has 23 proposals. That we know about.

Here's what our office looked like at 10:00 this morning. Note that I haven't even finished my breakfast...

The only thing left to do was to see who had the most work. So, like the mature professionals we are, we stacked up our work and measured the piles.

Roxie had 11.5" of work to mine and Ginny's 10.5". I guess that means she "wins..."

post-op

2009-06-06T10:45:00.004-04:00

So the rumors are true: I had to have a molar extracted yesterday. I won't go into the gory (well...aching and oozing) details, but let's just say that so far I'm fine. Everything is fine. I think I'm the only person in the world that convalesces next to an antique table with an Italian doily on it.

Just to show you how well everything is going, I haven't even cracked open the Vicodin yet. Don't hold your breath...day three is when the pain is supposed to peak...so...we'll see what happens tomorrow. If my next post here or on Facebook is incoherent...well...you know what I'm taking. So far I'm biting down on the gauze to stop the bleeding, brushing my teeth super gently, and drinking all the cranberry ginger ale I want. Just not through a straw. I'm not allowed to drink from a straw. I'm also staying in pajamas all day and not feeling bad about it. I just wish there was some football on...

In other news, Shirley is making some pumpkin pie custard right now. I'm pretty excited about it. (I think it's an attempt to dissuade me from making creme brulee...but I'm not really complaining.)

Gotta go...I think I heard the oven timer beep...

making hay

2009-06-03T12:17:00.002-04:00

Did you hear that they're outlawing round hay bales? Turns out the cows aren't getting square meals.

Come on...you know that's funny.

It's hay time on the farm. Fred has been mowing, raking, baling, and watching the forecast like a hawk. Oozey loves watching him mow the field across from the house, and it smells great right after it's been mowed.

Also, apparently there was hay to stack this morning. It makes me glad that I work in an office...

sundae on friday

2009-05-30T11:50:00.003-04:00

My wonderful friends Brooke and Vicki came over last night. We had lots of girl talk and watched Sense and Sensibility. And heard a mega-thunderstorm.

We were very wise and had a salad for dinner.

Then we made the most ridiculous brownie sundaes you've ever seen.

And we ate it all.

I just love girls' night!

opening night

2009-05-26T12:20:00.004-04:00

Did I tell you that I helped a friend start a theater company? Cornerstone Theater Productions made its debut this weekend. I was in charge of costumes and makeup...and - Heaven help us - the stage manager. It was a long week, but definitely rewarding. God has blessed us ridiculously.

A baby bunny showed up outside the makeup room. How cute!

A bit of backstage chaos:

The royal pages were my favorite...even if they did grump about having to wear tights...

Our cute little dragon fly...who was so excited that I drew on her face with a shiny purple pencil:

The finale:

And after it was all over, I was given some lovely flowers and a card. And a pile of costumes that need to be washed and put away. Ahhhh...the theater...

incoming

2009-05-20T08:51:00.001-04:00

I'm a bad friend (and soon to be sister-in-law). I keep forgetting to send Rachael all of the pictures we took on Easter Sunday. So hang on, Rach. I'm sending them now. They should be in your inbox in just a few minutes...

In other news, Happy Eliza Doolittle Day! (after all it IS the twentieth of May...)

finale time

2009-05-14T16:16:00.006-04:00

I am busy tonight. Do not call me. Do not stop by. Do not even think about sending a text message or writing on my wall on Facebook.

I am out of commission. Unreachable. Pretend that I don't even exist.

At least until 9:05...

status

2009-05-07T08:13:00.004-04:00

My office mate Ginny and I are beside ourselves. We feel like we've finally arrived. Why, you ask? Check it out:

This picture was taken from our office window. That's her truck and my car.

Parked RIGHT outside our building!

We were able to get temporary "B" permits for the summer, so the 10 minute walk from the parking deck to our office has been suspended until August 15. At which time, we will go to the parking office and grovel, beg, plead, and bribe in attempt to get a permanent "B" pass. We're currently 168 and 169 on the waiting list.

It's all about the little things...

andale!

2009-05-05T11:28:00.005-04:00

Feliz Cinco de Mayo a Todos!

Let's celebrate the only way I know how...with a classic Speedy Gonzales cartoon:

You know how I like to be festive...